Culture, Leadership & The Work Within ft. Vaney Hariri

Where do the real cultural shifts happen in a higher ed brand?

On this episode of A Matter of Degrees, Think3D Founder Vaney Hariri discusses what workplace culture truly is, why organizations — especially in higher education — struggle to maintain it, and how leaders can intentionally strengthen communication, collaboration, and human-centered practice.

Vaney talks through how culture isn’t something that needs “fixing,” but is rather something to enhance by developing people, building trust, and focusing on responsibility, awareness, and authenticity. He emphasizes that the student experience — and employee experience — are driven by how people feel, not by policies or metrics alone.

He posits that real transformation happens when individuals commit to consistent action, challenge assumptions, and strive toward better rather than backward. He talks through how organizations already have cultures — the goal is simply to enhance it through intentional investments.

Critically, he underlines the importance of responsibility coming before power. That leadership does not begin with authority, but rather with responsibility. When people take responsibility for their respective impact, communication, and commitments, they can gain real influence, as well as shift the culture.

Key Takeaways

Too long didn't watch? Here's what you should remember. 

• Culture isn’t a problem to fix — it’s a human system to develop

• Responsibility comes before power

• The most harmful cultural forces are the invisible ones — resentments and assumptions are the quiet killers of collaboration

• Higher ed must market the real experience — quality of life